Coventry-based Fanuc UK has delivered a model from its strongest-ever robot series to a neighbouring research and technology organisation — the Manufacturing Technology Centre (MTC).

With a reach of 3.7m and a vertical lifting stroke of 6.2m, the six-axis Fanuc M-2000iA/2300 can handle and palletise very heavy parts, such as automotive chassis and foundry workpieces weighing up to 2.3 tonnes.

It is the first robot of its kind to be installed in the UK, and it will play a vital role in the MTC’s on-going work with the Construction Innovation Hub to transform the construction industry through digital and advanced manufacturing technologies.

Fanuc UK’s sales and marketing manager (www.fanuc.eu/uk/en), Andy Armstrong, said: “The use of industrial robotics throughout the UK’s manufacturing sector is only set to increase, especially as more sectors realise the productivity and health-and-safety benefits they can offer.

"To date, most of the industrial robots in the UK would fall into the small-to-medium size category, performing functions including pick-and-place, welding, and riveting.

"However, there is a huge opportunity in a number of sectors for large robots with extremely heavy load capacities to be integrated into production applications, both de-risking operations and improving productivity.

"We are delighted that our M-2000iA/2300 robot is now up and running at the MTC, and we would encourage anyone keen to see the UK’s strongest industrial robot in action to book a visit.”